Short answer: the JBL Clip 5. It ranks #21 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $69.95; the Sony SRS-XB12 ranks #39 and costs $79, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Clip 5 offers: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Set against that: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
The case for the Sony SRS-XB12: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. The catch: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble.
One note: the Sony SRS-XB12 is discontinued, but it still ranks #39 of 47 small speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Clip 5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SRS-XB12 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony SRS-XB12. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Sony SRS-XB12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Output Power | 7W | 7W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 46mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 97Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 240ms |
| Max Volume | - | 93dB |
| Charging Time | - | 4.5 hours |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Sony SRS-XB13 vs Sony SRS-XB12
- JBL Clip 5 vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Clip 5: $69.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. IP67 rated. Auracast support for pairing multiple JBL speakers.
Cons: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features. Basically about the same as the Clip 4
Full JBL Clip 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued
Pros: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. IP67 rated, palm-sized with a detachable strap for hanging on a bag or belt.
Cons: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB12 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 240ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB13 vs XB12 - review and full sound test - best small speaker? 🙄 More from alanrossreviews →
- DLX Willington: Jbl Go 3 vs Sony XB12 Sound Battle With Sound Sample More from DLXWillington →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB12 vs Soundcore Mini 3 - size matters! bluetooth speakers test!
- Reddit Search for Sony SRS-XB12 Review
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